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AWD front end leveling

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Old Jun 21, 2023 | 02:28 PM
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Default AWD front end leveling

Would like to hear people’s experience with lowering only the front end on your AWD. It’s not something I’d ever consider, but seems like members haven’t experienced any issues.

I’m considering the F-Sport springs that offer a modest 1-1.2” drop in the front.
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Old Jun 22, 2023 | 02:38 AM
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I wouldn’t be afraid of using a Lexus part even just in the front only. For me though, a one inch drop wouldn’t be enough to justify the expense. It’ll look better sure but not as good as it can if lowered more. I have a 21 AWD that I lowered on RSR superdown springs both front and rear. The front drop is about 1.8 and the rear is 1.4 inches. The car sits perfect for me now. Not slammed down to where I’d worry about uneven pavement but still a tiny bit of wheel gap. I’ve had these springs on since just after I bought the car so it’s over 2 years and 16k miles with no complaints.
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Old Jun 22, 2023 | 06:24 AM
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Originally Posted by B14CK1iN3
I wouldn’t be afraid of using a Lexus part even just in the front only. For me though, a one inch drop wouldn’t be enough to justify the expense. It’ll look better sure but not as good as it can if lowered more. I have a 21 AWD that I lowered on RSR superdown springs both front and rear. The front drop is about 1.8 and the rear is 1.4 inches. The car sits perfect for me now. Not slammed down to where I’d worry about uneven pavement but still a tiny bit of wheel gap. I’ve had these springs on since just after I bought the car so it’s over 2 years and 16k miles with no complaints.
appreciate the input! If the F-sport springs lower the front end by 1”, how is it that you like the RSR when you brought down your front by 0.4 relative to the back?
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Old Jun 22, 2023 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by SPACADT
appreciate the input! If the F-sport springs lower the front end by 1”, how is it that you like the RSR when you brought down your front by 0.4 relative to the back?
From factory the whole car sits high but the front is just more noticeable I think because your eyes go there. I know it doesn’t seem like much of a difference front to rear but it does look more level now. If you’re only dropping the front, you’ll definitely need to adjust the headlights up too because I feel like mine could be aimed a bit higher even with just the half inch difference in drop. I attached the shot on the dealer lot and a relatively recent shot

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Old Jun 22, 2023 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by B14CK1iN3
From factory the whole car sits high but the front is just more noticeable I think because your eyes go there. I know it doesn’t seem like much of a difference front to rear but it does look more level now. If you’re only dropping the front, you’ll definitely need to adjust the headlights up too because I feel like mine could be aimed a bit higher even with just the half inch difference in drop. I attached the shot on the dealer lot and a relatively recent shot

dope ride! Calipers are 👌🏽

I sorta like the height on the backend. It’s more the front I want leveled like everyone else. Just by measurements though, wouldn’t you say lowering the front only on F-Sport springs vs all 4 on RSR would close the gap more significantly? Or is the extra drop in the front that you get from the RSR make it look best?
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Old Jun 22, 2023 | 10:37 PM
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It really comes down to personal preference. I’ve seen posts by others who just did the front springs and they’re happy with it. My only concern was getting it as low as possible while still having enough clearance to be a year round daily in the state with some of the worst roads in the northeast US. As I said in my first response, there is still a bit of gap in my front even with the bigger drop of the superdowns.

This shot from before the caliper powder coating shows the gap a little better.
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Old Jun 23, 2023 | 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by B14CK1iN3
It really comes down to personal preference. I’ve seen posts by others who just did the front springs and they’re happy with it. My only concern was getting it as low as possible while still having enough clearance to be a year round daily in the state with some of the worst roads in the northeast US. As I said in my first response, there is still a bit of gap in my front even with the bigger drop of the superdowns.

This shot from before the caliper powder coating shows the gap a little better.
Thanks man. Appreciate your input. Any specific comments related to the superdowns? Regrets or pleasant surprises? I think the gap looks perfect tbh. I live in Los Angeles and our streets are rough, so I wouldn’t go any lower than what you’ve got.
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Old Jun 24, 2023 | 01:10 AM
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No complaints. I will say though that I expect the struts to wear quicker and, if your RC is an older model, you may be better off getting coil overs which replaces both and allows you to set your height however you want. The ride is definitely stiffer than stock but it’s not an issue for me.
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Old Jun 24, 2023 | 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by B14CK1iN3
No complaints. I will say though that I expect the struts to wear quicker and, if your RC is an older model, you may be better off getting coil overs which replaces both and allows you to set your height however you want. The ride is definitely stiffer than stock but it’s not an issue for me.
2017 with 27k miles. I’m at the point where I’m debating coilovers or airbags. For what I want, airbags seem to make the most sense. I want a soft ride and on-the-fly adjustability to not scrape. I’m open to springs alone considering the cost is drastically lower, but not convinced I won’t regret spending the extra to get what I really want. I drive it on S and S+ depending on the road.
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Old Jun 29, 2023 | 04:39 PM
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Hi I am a new RC 350 F-Sport owner. Can you tell me what lip kit is on your car. Looks great.
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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 04:32 AM
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Originally Posted by PeteinPA
Hi I am a new RC 350 F-Sport owner. Can you tell me what lip kit is on your car. Looks great.
That’s a full kit from NIA which I highly recommend. It’s not super expensive but not cheap either. It’s all ABS not fiberglass so it’s sturdy too. You can order unfinished or with your paint code and also other option’s including hydro dipped to look like carbon fiber. Mine are gloss black except for the duckbill spoiler which is body color. I’ve had this kit on the car for 2 years and the front driver corner has taken two small hits but only resulted on little scrapes. Here’s a couple old shots of the spoiler.


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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 03:12 PM
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Thank so much. That rear deck lid spoiler is very aggressive.
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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 03:16 PM
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BTW where in PA are you. I am in the SE corner around Kennett Square.
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Old Jul 1, 2023 | 04:28 AM
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I’m more central between Harrisburg and Lancaster. I’ve only seen about 3 RCs besides mine in 3 years so it gets a lot of compliments.
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Old Jul 1, 2023 | 07:30 AM
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Yea, that is also what drew me to it.. I like having something you don't see many of.. That said, ironically coming home from dinner Wednesday night I saw 2. Both white, one was an RC-F i believe given dial tailpipes. I will start a thread with pics on mine once I get a chance to clean it up.
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